The ICC Cricket World Cup begins at the end of the month, with England getting the tournament underway against South Africa. Eoin Morgan’s side have enjoyed a remarkable rise in the one-day game in recent years and currently sit at the top of the world rankings ahead of India. England are the favourites to lift the trophy on home soil this summer, however, they first need to select their 15-man squad for the competition. Numerous players have put themselves in contention for a spot after a comfortable 4-0 series win over Pakistan, with the bowling selections looking likely to be the toughest to make. So with the squad officially announced on Tuesday, we’ve decided to predict which 15 will make the squad and who will agonisingly miss out on a World Cup spot.
Jason Roy
Opening batsman Jason Roy is guaranteed a spot in the side after his one-day form for England in recent years.
Jonny Bairstow
Alongside Roy is Jonny Bairstow. The Yorkshireman has enjoyed opening the batting in recent times and has also come off the back of a stunning display in the IPL.
Joe Root
Test captain Joe Root makes our side based on his batting temperament in the middle overs.
Eoin Morgan (c)
One-day captain Eoin Morgan has led the side exquisitely in recent years and also brings his explosive batting to the team.
Jos Buttler (wk)
Jos Buttler looks set to keep wicket at the World Cup and can be a match-winner with the bat.
Ben Stokes
All-rounder Ben Stokes is another who can be explosive with the bat and provides Eoin Morgan with a wicket-taking option when bowling.
Moeen Ali
One of two spinners, Moeen Ali brings control to the team when bowling and can also be handy with the bat late on.
Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes proved his worth in recent games against Pakistan and tends to play well on home soil.
Tom Curran
Tom Curran enjoyed a run in the side against Pakistan recently and could be included based off of his impressive bowling at the death.
Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer has only come into the side in recent weeks after qualifying to play for England in March. The Barbados-born Sussex all-rounder would provide the side with plenty of pace.
Adil Rashid
Adil Rashid is ranked as the 10th best bowler in ODI cricket and looks certain to be included in the squad.
James Vince
Hampshire’s Jame Vince looks set to come into the squad to replace Alex Hales as a cover batsman.
Liam Dawson
Vince’s Hampshire teammate Dawson could be the back-up spin replacement for Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid.
Liam Plunkett
Liam Plunkett has been a regular in the side in recent years and looks set to make the squad, even if he is not guaranteed a starting spot.
Mark Wood
Durham pace bowler Mark Wood could make the squad as a back-up option for the likes of Tom Curran, Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer.
Those unfortunate to miss out
Three notable exclusions from the side are David Willey, Chris Jordan and Joe Denly. The trio have all been in and around the squad in recent years, however, due to England’s squad, they could all miss out.